Floyd Walter Larsen

Floyd was born in Minneapolis on March 23, 1935, to Walter and Winifred Larsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol Bartel, and his grandson Bryant Friesen.

Floyd is survived by Donna M. Larsen, his beloved wife of 69 years, and their four children: Paul (Debbie) Larsen; Mark (Lisa Gan) Larsen; Jennifer (Troy) Friesen; and Gregg (Stephanie) Larsen.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to 14 grandchildren: Christina (Jonathan) Olson, Paul “Drew” (Caitlyn) Larsen, Tessa (Paul) Son, Jonathan Larsen, Benjamin Larsen, Sophia Larsen, Amanda Larsen, Drake (Emily) Friesen, Shauna Friesen, Angela Friesen, Bryant Friesen, Olivia Friesen, Nicholas Larsen, and Nina Larsen. He was also blessed to know and love his four great-grandchildren: Stellan and Kyrre Olson, Francis Larsen, and June Son.

Floyd and Donna both spent nearly 80 years of their lives on and around Lake Minnetonka. The lake and its surrounding communities were home throughout most of their lives and became deeply woven into the story of their marriage, their family, their friendships, and the life they built together.

Floyd was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. His faith was not simply something he professed; it shaped the way he sought to live. Through the years, he provided his children, grandchildren, and those around him with an enduring example of faithfulness, diligence, responsibility, and perseverance.

Floyd and Donna first knew one another as children at Calvary Memorial Church in Navarre. In time, that childhood friendship became a lifelong partnership and marriage that endured for 69 years. Together they raised four children, welcomed 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and shared the joys and challenges of a long life together.

Floyd earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota before beginning a long career as a thermodynamics engineer. His work included the aerospace industry and other fields where he applied his technical abilities, curiosity, and disciplined approach to solving problems.

Those qualities extended well beyond his professional life. Floyd enjoyed working with his hands and took satisfaction in building, fixing, and figuring things out. He taught his own children—and many others—to snow ski. He also enjoyed sailing and water skiing, much of it as part of the life his family shared around Lake Minnetonka.

Floyd and Donna enjoyed traveling together as well. Their adventures included several trips abroad and many road trips throughout the United States, often to visit family and friends. The destinations varied, but relationships remained at the heart of their travels and their life together.

Above all, Floyd was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love for his family was demonstrated not merely in words, but through a lifetime of constancy, provision, service, hard work, and presence.

His family gives thanks to God for the 91 years of Floyd’s life, for the 69 years of marriage he shared with Donna, and for the generations of family that followed. They grieve his passing while resting in the hope and promises of Jesus Christ.

Floyd will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered—as Donna’s husband and companion through nearly seven decades; as Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa; as an engineer, teacher, skier, sailor, traveler, and problem-solver; and, most importantly, as a man who sought to remain faithful to his Lord and to the people God entrusted to his care.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Fittingly, a memorial service celebrating Floyd’s life and his hope in Jesus Christ will be held at Calvary Memorial Church in Navarre, Minnesota—the church where Floyd and Donna first knew one another as children so many years ago.

Service details are pending and will be announced when available.